What a year. Where did it go? I’m wracking my brain on what happened this year but I can’t remember what I did in March or May or June. It all becomes a blur when you’re old and were previously drinking most days of the week.

This was a very easy read; the Post family head on holiday to Mallorca, escaping their dismal lives, full of lies in Manhattan. Of course, all the cans of worms open and chaos ensues. None of the characters grabbed me, nor were they colourful enough for me. A little predictable, but an easy, enjoyable read nonetheless. Perfect for a holiday or aeroplane novel!

We said we’d still eat Whole 30 compliant during the week. We said we’d not touch carbs. WE LIED. I’ve eaten so many goddamn Christmas mince pies that I’ve lost count. I’ve scoffed cheese/chocolate/shortbread. EVERYTHING.

There has been a new buzzword thrown around in recent months (actually, years, I’m just behind): Hygge (pronounced heu-gah). The art of building a sanctuary of happiness and wellbeing. We are in a fast paced world where we can often forget to stop and “smell the roses”, but this Danish concept of taking genuine pleasure in relaxing and being cosy, in my opinion, could never go too far. You can find and create this in your everyday; whether its lighting a candle as you curl up on the sofa to read your new book, a glass of mulled wine in front of the fire, relaxing in your favourite armchair listening to your treasured music collection. These are all brilliant examples of creating yourself a warm atmosphere and taking time to breathe and be in the moment.

I received my December Birchbox surprise in the post last week and was thrilled with the contents.

I’ll admit I can be useless with these packages – I think I’m most excited about the opening of the box and looking to find out what’s inside. I’m absolutely rubbish at actually using the products. This month though I have already made a conscious effort to use everything.

Top of the list for me is the Percy and ReedPerfectly Perfecting Wonder Balm, it does wonders on your hair. I have mentioned before that I have fine hair – this Wonder Balm does what it says on the package. It’s wonderful. My hair looked full, thick and stayed styled the whole day and night. I did get caught in a rain shower and my hair became lank and heavy and a little greasy. But I can’t blame the balm for that – that was the rain.

Next favourite is the LAQA & Co.Eyelighter, which under your eyebrows, under your eyes or even used on your cheekbones gives you an instant lift. I’ve not savvy with the whole contouring malarkey – God do I wish I was – but this is an easy cheat to get a similar result. Especially around this Christmas period with lots of late nights out, it does wonders for dark circles under the eyes.

The full size product this month is the CiateFierce Flicks Eyeliner. While I myself do not partake in the eye flicks style – because of how it’s designed it’s very easy to add a thin or thick line without very little skill. You also get a dramatic line the first time, no need to go back over it and hope to get it right with each stroke.

Another winter Christmas requirement is a touch of golden fake tan – great to touch up your arms and décolletage in these cold weeks when you want to add a healthy glow. This month I was sent Benefit’sHoola Zero Tanlines. I love that this tanning product comes with a sponge applicator attached to the tube, so it’s hands free and no one ends with orange palms. Winning!

I’m confused by the final product I received as it is a moisturiser for oily skin, even though I registered on the website that I have dry skin. But a bottle of AmieSkincare Morning Dew Matte-Finish Moisturiser showed up and I used it anyway. I did notice it dried out my skin so I haven’t used it again since. Which is a shame because it smells delicious. But having dry skin means if I don’t lather on a lot of moisturiser or oil my face can feel tight and dry all day.

All in all I’m happy with the overall package – I can see myself using the first three products every week, and the tan applicator on special occasions. When I’m not covering up my arms in on of my many seasonal Christmas jumpers.